Harry Chapin Food Bank seeks turkeys

November 14, 2012

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and turkeys are in very short supply. In order to feed the hungry, the Harry Chapin Food Bank has put out a plea for the 3,000 turkeys needed by its participating non-profit agencies.

The agencies rely on donated turkeys to fill holiday food baskets for the ever-increasing numbers of hungry adults and children.

Higher living costs, coupled with job loss and other difficulties, mean Southwest Florida families are struggling to make ends meet. The holiday season will stress household budgets even more.

Struggling families cannot afford holiday meals and other traditions that so many of us take for granted. They need your help.

Individuals can assist the food bank by either purchasing turkeys or contributing financially to purchase turkeys. The approximate cost of each turkey is $15.

Businesses can help by holding a turkey drive, collecting money so that the food bank can purchase turkeys and encouraging customers to support the drive.

To sign up or make a donation for the turkey drive, visit online and look for the "Turkey Team" link. You can either make a general donation, or sign up and connect with Facebook to engage your network of friends and family.

Form a "Turkey Team" with family members, co-workers and friends and multiply your generosity. Make a donation that will buy turkeys or Thanksgiving meal trimmings for those in need.

Turkeys can be dropped off at the Harry Chapin Food Bank warehouse, at 3760 Fowler St., Fort Myers, or at 2221 Corporation Blvd., Naples.

Checks can be mailed to the same addresses, and you can also make a secure donation online.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of 160 nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties that provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly.

More than 1 million pounds of food are distributed by the Harry Chapin Food Bank monthly. For every dollar donated, about $6 in food value goes back to the community. In the past fiscal year, the food bank distributed more than 15 million pounds of food and other grocery items valued at more than $24.9 million - this is roughly the equivalent of 12.5 million meals to people in need.

For information or to contribute financially, contact 334-7007 or go online to: harrychapinfoodbank.org.